Grips for weight lifting

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a pair of grips that enable safer and more efficient exercising. The grips can also be used for enhanced and better weight bearing exercises. More specifically, the grips are used to lift weights in a manner that is safe and more ergonomically correct to effect proper weight lifting technique.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a pair of grips that enable safer and more efficient exercising. More specifically the grips are used to lift weights in a manner that is safe and more ergonomically correct to effect proper weight lifting technique.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Human exercise for the purpose of preparation in war or sport is ancient. The written histories of the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and Asian civilizations are replete with examples of all manner of cardio and weight bearing exercise. In the first recorded Olympics in Ancient Greece, recorded exercise regiments included both cardio and weightlifting of the participating athletes.

In modern times, exercise by lay persons in countries like the United States has become a multi-billion dollar industry. It can fairly be said that in some parts of the world, exercise and the industry that supports it is one part obsession and another part capitalism. The exercise industry comprises all manner of invention for the novice to the professional. Some such inventions fall within the category of fad, but others have found use and even longevity.

In weightlifting, many devices have been created since the dawn of weight bearing exercise. Most such devices have focused on their ability to aid in moving, pushing, lifting, and/or carrying a weight. The obvious object has been to move the weight itself with little to no thought about the actual safety of moving the weight in the manner proscribed. As injuries have mounted, a need to create safer ways to exercise with weights has arisen.

Weight bearing exercises enabled by a neutral grip are rare. Using a neutral grip when weight lifting can lower the incidence of injury and induce much less stress in non targeted muscles in a weight bearing exercise. Today, neutral grips are achieved without the aid of a device, but instead is taught by a trainer to a weight lifter. Most exercise enthusiasts do not know what a neutral grip is or how to achieve it. The reduction in pain and/or injury by consistently being able to use neutral grips in exercising is paramount but also most recently, a problem with no ready solution.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a portable grip for exercise and comprises a gripping portion configured to receive a user's hand; an axis of connection having a first end and second end, the gripping portion being connected to the first end of the axis of connection; and a clamping portion adjacently connected to the second end of the axis of connection, the clamping portion being releasably connectable to a weighted object for exercise.

In one embodiment herein, the gripping portion is rotatably movable about the first end of the axis of connection. In another, the clamping portion is rigidly affixed to the second end of said axis of connection. In yet another embodiment herein, the gripping portion is positioned within a cradle.

Preferably, the portable grip's gripping portion comprises a release mechanism. Also preferably, the release mechanism is actuated thereby causing the gripping portion to be rotatably movable about the cradle.

The grip portion can be rotatably movable about the cradle at an angle ranging from −90° to about 90°. The grip portion may also be rotatably movable about the cradle at an angle ranging from −45° to about 45°. The grip portion may also be rotatably movable about the cradle at an angle ranging from −25° to about 25°.

The axis release trigger is preferably attached to the axis of connection. The axis release trigger is releasable by a user. At release of the axis release trigger, the gripping portion is rotatably movable about the axis of connection.

In practice, the portable grip comprises a holding strength of at least 50 pounds. In another embodiment herein, the portable grip comprises a holding strength of at least 100 pounds. In yet another embodiment herein, the portable grip comprises a holding strength of at least 200 pounds. In a further embodiment herein, the portable grip comprises a holding strength of at least 300 pounds.

Herein, clamping portion is configured to affixedly grip a handle of a weight. The clamping portion affixedly grips the handle of the weight by a click and hold mechanism.

During use, the portable grip reduces grip and wrist fatigue of a user by at least twenty percent. Preferably, the portable grip reduces grip and wrist fatigue by at least forty percent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, which will become more apparent as the description proceeds, are described in the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a planar view of the portable grip;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the portable grip of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is an alternate planar view of the portable grip of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is a top view of the portable grip of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the use of the portable grips of FIG. 1 by a user; (two grips on one bar)

FIG. 5A is a perspective views of the use of the portable grips of FIG. positioned onto a weight baring bar;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the grips and bar of FIG. 5A with a human model in position to lift the bar using the grips;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the grips of FIG. 1 in use for holding a box; and

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the grips and box of FIG. 6A being held by a person.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The term “weightlifter” is used herein to mean a user or exerciser that lifts weights to exercise. The terms “weightlifter” and “user” are interchangeable herein.

By the term “neutral grip” it is meant herein a user's gripping of one or more weights in which the user's palms face one-another.

The invention provides a portable grip for exercise and comprises a gripping portion configured to receive a user's hand; an axis of connection having a first end and second end, the gripping portion being connected to the first end of the axis of connection; and a clamping portion adjacently connected to the second end of the axis of connection, the clamping portion being releasably connectable to a weighted object for exercise.

Typically, the portable grip or “grips” come in pairs. A user uses a pair of grips for those weights or surfaces requiring both of a user's hands. For example, a user performing shoulder shrugs with a straight bar would attach a grip on the left side of the bar (i.e., not the left end of the bar but the portion of the bar left of center of the bar) and a grip on the right side of the bar (i.e., not the right end of the bar but the portion right of center of the bar). A user's left hand grips the left most grip while his/her right hand grips the right most grip.

A pair of grips is used when single weights are used also. For example, a user may use a grip to pick up and press/pull/move a weight while also using a grip in the left hand for doing same with a separate weight for the left hand. A user may grip each of a pair of weighted plates (e.g., 15 lbs., 25 lbs., 35 lbs., 45 lbs., etc.) with a grip to perform a number of well known exercises.

The grips herein are specifically designed to feel and operate optimally for the user's safety and to enhance her exercise performance. Ideally, when each grip is used in its optimal configuration, desired muscle groups are targeted for use while easing and preferably substantially eliminating unnecessary physical stresses on other non-targeted areas of a user's body. For example, a user herein using a pair of grips to pick-up, push, rotate, etc. a weighted bar (or weight itself) can do so without also unduly straining his/her wrists, hands, lower back, upper back, etc. while performing an exercise for a targeted area (e.g., shoulders, gluteus maximus, calves, thighs, and the like).

To aid in such safety, relief and/or enhancement, an embodiment of the grips herein is provided in which the gripping portion is rotatably movable about the first end of the axis of connection. Such rotational movability enables a user to put his/her hands, wrists, forearms and elbows in the most relaxed positions while lifting weight, thereby aiding in a user's safety from injury and also enhancing a lift to isolate and work on the desired muscle or muscle group. In yet another embodiment herein, the gripping portion is positioned within a cradle.

To be clear, each grip herein is preferably rotatable in at least two planes. The gripping portion is rotatable about the first end of the axis of connection in the x-plane. Also, the gripping portion is rotatable about the z-plane within its cradle. The preferred embodiment of grips herein provides rotation about the x-plane and the z-plane respectively. The grips herein will preferably provide at least one plane of rotation, in either the x-plane or the z-plane.

Preferably, the portable grip's gripping portion comprises a release mechanism. The preferred release mechanism herein is built into the gripping portion. In use, a user would press the release mechanism upwardly into the gripping portion thereby freeing the gripping portion from its fixed position and allowing it to rotate in the x-plane as discussed hereinabove. This release mechanism is the first release mechanism. A second release mechanism may also be included that enables the gripping portion to rotate in the z-plane within a cradle. The preferred location of the second release mechanism resides on a side of the gripping portion at point adjacent to the cradle. When the second release mechanism is actuated, the gripping portion becomes rotatably movable about the cradle until the second release mechanism is released, thereby affixing the gripping portion in a new z-plane position.

In practice, the grip portion can be rotatably movable about the cradle at an angle ranging from −90° to about 90° in the z-plane. The grip portion may also be rotatably movable about the cradle at an angle ranging from −45° to about 45° in the z-plane. The grip portion may also be rotatably movable about the cradle at an angle ranging from −25° to about 25° in the z-plane.

[The axis release trigger is preferably attached to the axis of connection. The axis release trigger is releasable by a user. At release of the axis release trigger, the gripping portion is rotatably movable about the axis of connection.]

Each portable grip herein is built to be strong and durable. It is expected that grips herein will endure heavy and even careless use. Ideal materials from which to make the grips herein are one or more of the kinds of heavy duty plastics well known in the art, super strong, non-flexing aluminum, blends of steel and aluminum, steel or other metals useful in the formation and use of grips of the kinds provided herein.

In practice, the portable grip comprises a holding strength of at least 50 pounds. By the terms “holding strength” or “hold strength” it is meant herein a grip's ability to hold a weight of prescribed poundage without failure, deformity and/or the creation of an unsafe condition. In another embodiment herein, the portable grip comprises a holding strength of at least 100 pounds. In yet another embodiment herein, the portable grip comprises a holding strength of at least 200 pounds. In a further embodiment herein, the portable grip comprises a holding strength of at least 300 pounds. In an additional embodiment herein, the portable grip comprises a holding strength of at least 400 pounds. It will be understood by a person of skill in the art herein that when a pair of grips is used to exercise with a weight, and that such grips are clamped to the same weight, that each grip will bear one-half of the total weight held.

The terms “clamping portion” and “clamp” are interchangeable herein. In practice, the clamping portion is rigidly affixed to the second end of the axis of connection. The clamp is configured to affixedly grip a handle of a weight. The term “affixedly grip” means herein that the clamp of the grip, once properly positioned, grips and holds a weight or weighted object without intentional release thereof by a user. That is, once the clamp grips a weight or weighted object, the grip, under normal wear and tear conditions, will not release the weight or weighted object without the user intentional doing so. The clamp is also configured to affixedly grip a grippable portion of a weight (e.g., a weighted plate).

In one example herein, the clamping portion affixedly grips the handle of a weight or a weight itself by a preferred click and hold mechanism. The click and hold mechanism (or “mechanism”) operates thusly: a bar or grippable portion of a weight (e.g., a handle) is brought into close proximity of the click and hold mechanism; the bar is pushed into the mechanism; the mechanism slightly resists but also slightly flexes to allow the bar entry; and the bar is fixed into place within the mechanism once it moves beyond the opening thereof and snaps or clicks the bar into place, preferably, by an audible clicking sound that signals completion of the mechanism's work.

In another example herein, the clamping portion affixedly grips the handle of a weight or a weight itself by a release and hold mechanism. The release and hold mechanism is actuated by a switch preferably located on or within the grip portion of the grip. When actuated, the clamp opens, receives a grippable portion of a weight (or a weight itself) and then closes around the grippable portion thereof, producing a secure hold.

As has been discussed at length hereinabove, during use, the portable grip reduces grip and wrist fatigue of a user by at least twenty percent. Preferably, the portable grip reduces grip and wrist fatigue by at least forty percent.

FIG. 1 is a planar view of the portable grip 10. Grip 10 is divided into two sections: a gripping portion 11 and a clasping portion 13. Axis of connection 12 connects gripping portion 11 to clasping portion 13. In practice, a user's hand grips bar 14 of grip 4.

Clasping portion 13 comprises clasping mechanism 20 and locking device 25. Clasping mechanism 20 has a diameter created to house and hold bars of standard diameter in a typical gym with weights. In use, a weight lifter grasps grip 10 and then connects it to a bar. The bar slides into clasping mechanism 20 past locking device 25 which then moves upwardly away from the passing bar until it passes. Once passed, locking device 25 clicks into place (i.e., reassumes its first position) to hold the bar fast and prevent it from moving out of clasping mechanism 20. A weightlifting can move locking device 25 upwardly to allow a bar to move out of clasping mechanism 20.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of portable grip 10 of FIG. 1. In fact, FIG. 2 shows hand 40 of a user or weightlifter grasping grip 10. The internal structure of clasping portion 13 of grip 10 (FIG. 1) enables both the clasping of a bar and its hold throughout a lift thereof. As is also shown, locking device 25 is connected at the front of clasping mechanism 20. Locking device 25 is pivotable about its connection point thereby enabling its movement up away from clasping mechanism 20 to allow a bar to enter therein.

FIG. 2 provides user's hand 40 whereby the thumb thereof is positioned most closely to the front 42 of grip 10. Conversely, the back 44 of grip 10 held furthest away from the user's thumb. Though user's thumb on user's hand 40 is not shown, persons of skill in the at will readily recognize the probably and most likely position of user's thumb as applied to grip 10.

In most common practice, user's hand 40 will be oriented as shown in FIG. 2. Such orientation facilitates the grip and hold of locking device 25 to a bar or other object suitably configured to be held by grip 10. Alternatively, the orientation of user's hand 40 onto grip 10 can be reversed from that discussed hereinabove. Namely, user's hand 40 can be oriented onto grip 10 such that the user's thumb is positioned closest to the back 44 of grip 10 and furthest away from the front 42 of grip 10.

FIG. 3 is an alternate planar view of portable grip 10 of FIG. 1. Grip 10 provides a revolving element 50 that enables gripping portion 11 to rotate about an axis into the z-plane thereby enabling a more ergonomic grip by a user or weight lifter. Such rotation might also enable a more convenient grip as a weight or item is lifted, held and/or transported from one spot to another.

It should be noted herein that revolving element 50 can be incorporated into the grip design of grip 10 of FIG. 1 whereby gripping portion 11 is rotatable about axis of connection 12. In such inclusion, it is preferred that gripping portion 11 is rotatable about the z-plane and x-plane as is shown in FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 4.

FIG. 4 is a top planar view of grip 10 of FIG. 3. Grip 10 is shown in the x-plane. Bar 14 of grip 10 is shown rotated away from axis of connection 12. Such rotation occurs in the x-plane. This rotation occurs between zero degrees (0°) and 180 degrees (180°) from alignment with axis of connection 12. Such rotatability enables comfort, convenience and ergonomic advantage to a user holding a weight, a bar or item being lifted, held or transported.

In a non weighting lifting context, having the ability to rotate bar 14 to adjust for the geometry, weight distribution or general awkwardness of a gripped item to be carried (e.g., tools, boxed items, construction equipment and the like) can be highly valuable if not critical.

FIGS. 5A & 5B are perspective views of the use of portable grips 10 of FIG. 1 by a user on a weight bearing bar. FIG. 5A clearly shows grips connected to weight bearing bar 50 or bar 50. As shown, grips 10 are positioned about shoulder length apart for a would-be weight lifter. When the weight lifter's hands grasp grips 10, they will immediately be fixed into a neutral position thereby providing an ergonomic benefit not resident is a standard grip of bar 50 itself. Such ergonomic eases the strain of use on the weight lifter's hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, large muscle groups, and stabilizing muscle groups.

Grips 10 are designed to help a weight lifter carry large loads with less strain to critical muscle groups, ligaments and bones. Each portable grip 10 herein is built to be strong and durable. As is shown in FIG. 5A, it is expected that grips 10 herein will endure heavy and even careless use. Ideal materials from which to make grips 10 herein are one or more of the kinds of heavy duty plastics well known in the art, super strong, non-flexing aluminum, blends of steel and aluminum (i.e., aluminum/steel composites), steel or other metals useful in the formation and use of grips of the kinds provided herein.

FIG. 5B provides a perspective view of FIG. 5A in which weight lifter 60 is crouched to lift weighted bar 55 using grips 10. As is shown, weight lifter's 60 hands grasp grips 10 in neutral positions whereby his hands face one-another. As shown, grips 10 are spaced about shoulder length apart thereby allowing weight lifter 60 to crouch between grips 10 at a low angle to engage his legs and gluts to prepare to lift bar 55. Such position takes undue strain from weight lifter's 60 lower and upper back as well his shoulders, arms, wrists and hands.

Ideal connection of grips 10 is at an angle, as shown, which allows grips 10 to align with weight lifter's 60 hands, wrists and arms. Such alignment makes the weight lifting easier, more efficient and less dangerous with respect enabling less strain on a weight lifter's body while lifting, holding or transporting.

FIG. 6A is an alternative perspective view of the use of the portable grips 10 of FIG. 1 by a user. Importantly, grips 10 herein have application beyond exercise. Because grips 10 provide for ergonomic lifting, holding and moving of heavy objects, properly configured, they can also be used to lessen the strain and potential injuries of lifted items in a work or home setting.

In one example herein, grips 10 may be used by a user to pick up box 70. Properly configured, grips 10 could be used to pick up box 70 from its bottom or its top. Grips 10, properly configured, can also attached to box 70 at its holes 75. At such attachment, a user holds and lifts box 70 by grips 10. Preferably, grips 10 in FIG. 6A are of the kind discussed in FIGS. 3 and 4 herein whereby gripping portion 11 is rotatable about the, at least, x-plane. In such an execution, bar 14 would be rotated at or nearly fully perpendicular to axis of connection 12 (see FIG. 4).

FIG. 6B shows worker 25 lifting box 5 using grips 10. As noted hereinabove, grips 10 enable worker 25 to maintain a neutral grip while holding box 5. Such neutral grip allows worker 25 to effectively lift, hold and move box 70 while also minimizing the strain of such grip on worker's hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, back, gluts and legs. Also, while limiting such strain, worker 5 is better able to engage his core to maintain greater overall stability. Such better stability ensures worker's better balance. This is particularly key when worker 5 walks with and otherwise moves box 5 from one point to another.

Preferably, grips 10, as noted hereinabove, are rotatable about the x-plane and/or z-plane to allow an even more ergonomic and comfortable grip. Such grip rotation can enable less strain, particularly, to a worker's upper and lower back. It can also enable better use of the key, necessary muscles for lifting, holding and moving heavy items like box 70.

Ideally, grips 10 are readily detachable and applicable to multiple surfaces. Once attached, grips 10 can be locked in place by locking mechanism 20. Locking mechanism 20 ensures that a grip 10 stays in place while worker 15 lifts, holds or moves box 70

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable grip for achieving a neutral grip during weight bearing exercise, comprising: a. A gripping portion configured to receive a user's hand; b. An axis of connection having a first end and second end, said gripping portion being connected to said first end of said axis of connection; and c. A clamping portion adjacently connected to said second end of said axis of connection, said clamping portion being releasably connectable to a weighted object for exercise.
 2. The portable grip of claim 1 wherein said gripping portion is rotatably movable about said first end of said axis of connection.
 3. The portable grip of claim 1 wherein said clamping portion is rigidly affixed to said second end of said axis of connection.
 4. The portable grip of claim 1 wherein said gripping portion is positioned within a cradle.
 5. The portable grip of claim 4 wherein gripping portion comprises a release mechanism.
 6. The portable grip of claim 5 whereby when said release mechanism is actuated, said gripping portion is rotatably movable about said cradle.
 7. The portable grip of claim 6 wherein said grip portion is rotatably movable about said cradle at an angle ranging from −90° to about 90°.
 8. The portable grip of claim 6 wherein said grip portion is rotatably movable about said cradle at an angle ranging from −45° to about 45°.
 9. The portable grip of claim 6 wherein said grip portion is rotatably movable about said cradle at an angle ranging from −25° to about 25°.
 10. The portable grip of claim 1 wherein an axis release trigger is attached to said axis of connection.
 11. The portable grip of claim 10 wherein said axis release trigger is releasable by a user.
 12. The portable grip of claim 11 wherein at said release of said axis release trigger, said gripping portion is rotatably movable about said axis of connection.
 13. The portable grip of claim 1 wherein said portable grip comprises a holding strength of at least 50 pounds.
 14. The portable grip of claim 1 wherein said portable grip comprises a holding strength of at least 100 pounds.
 15. The portable grip of claim 1 wherein said portable grip comprises a holding strength of at least 200 pounds.
 16. The portable grip of claim 1 wherein said portable grip comprises a holding strength of at least 300 pounds.
 17. The portable grip of claim 1 wherein said clamping portion is configured to affixedly grip a handle of a weight.
 18. The portable grip of claim 17 wherein said clamping portion affixedly grips said handle of said weight by a click and hold mechanism.
 19. The portable grip of claim 1 wherein said portable grip reduces grip and wrist fatigue of a user by at least twenty percent.
 20. The portable grip of claim 19 wherein said portable grip reduces grip and wrist fatigue by at least forty percent. 